Corporate Sustainability: U-Haul Earns Tree Canada’s Eterne Award

December 28, 2017

CALGARY, Alta. — The prestigious Eterne Award is bestowed upon companies that support Tree Canada and exemplify the very best in environmental stewardship. The award trophy travels year to year among these recognized pioneers of corporate sustainability. U-Haul was honored recently at the 2017 Tree Canada Eterne Award ceremony in Calgary for its efforts during the 2016 calendar year.

Representatives from U-Haul, Tree Canada, Calgary Sister Cities and the Calgary Chamber of Commerce were on hand. Business leaders and community members also attended.

“U-Haul Canada is honored to accept this award and is proud of the great benefits that our partnership with Tree Canada has created for Canadian communities,” said Vern Jardine, U-Haul Marketing Company President of Southern Alberta.

“Across the nation, we strive to put forth the idea to our customers that with their help, we can create a sustainable future for all. We are proud of our customers who continue to support tree planting with their donations at check out.”

U-Haul Chief Sustainability Scientist Dr. Allan Yang, Area District Vice President Jennifer Anstett, and Tree Canada President Michael Rosen joined Jardine in unveiling the award at the ceremony.

Everlasting Impact

Crafted from a section of an ancient tree which grew in the Solomon Creek Valley in Alberta in 2240-2400 B.C., the Eterne Award represents vitality and the eternal nature of trees and forests.

Over the years, U-Haul Canada and its customers have demonstrated a strong commitment to these resilient forest ecosystems. Since 2011, more than 172,000 customers at U-Haul locations across Canada have contributed $371,412 to plant 40,703 trees to date. About 11,250 of those trees are just outside of Calgary. These trees will also absorb nearly 45,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide throughout their lives, providing cleaner air to breathe.

Jardine continued, “This program has been extremely successful and we plan to continue to raise awareness and promote the importance of tree health and planting in the communities where we work and live. Thank you to Tree Canada for the honor and recognition.”

Expanding Corporate Sustainability

Dr. Yang also highlighted a new program that will further benefit customers and communities in Canada. U-Haul recently expanded its truck-sharing business to offer access to moving trucks and cargo vans every hour of every day through U-Haul Truck Share 24/7. This convenience, supported by proprietary online vetting technology, will further the sustainability goals of Canadian cities to reduce traffic congestion, support small businesses and increase shared-use transportation options. That, in turn, will result in reduced emissions and increased resiliency of the communities served.

As the trees planted through this partnership grow, they will become forests. Consequently, those forests will offer a habitat for wildlife, preserve natural ecosystems, support outdoor recreation and beautify communities. They also improve the quality of the environment.

Furthermore, 100 percent of all contributions go directly to Tree Canada for the planting and care of native trees. As the industry leader in DIY moving and self-storage, U-Haul is proud to demonstrate the best in environmental stewardship. And that means committing to a sustainable future.